New to DVD in the UK this week is the first season of the low-budget, Australian LGBTQ+ youth drama series, Single, Out. Written and directed by Lee Galea, Single, Out stars Will Hutchins, Steven Christou, Adam Mountain, Ryan Stewart and Jake Hyde, and follows the story of Adam, a wannabe artist and part-time car washer, who comes out as gay to his family, following his first sexual experience.
In the series, Adam is a young gay guy who is in the closest. His friends and work colleagues know he is gay, but his family aren’t (quite) aware of his sexuality.
However, after Adam shares a night with his brother’s best friend, Josh, he starts to believe now could be the time to come out. Spurred on by Josh, who is keen for their relationship not to fly under the radar, Adam opens up to his brother and mother.
Moving forward, Adam navigates his feelings for Josh, while coming to terms with being ‘out’. But as he soon discovers, the course of love doesn’t run smoothly, and life is filled with complications.
Running six episodes long, with each episode lasting around 20 minutes, Single, Out is a short, sharp, and very likeable little Aussie series. A touch saucy in places, but mostly focused on drama, the show is part Queer as Folk, part Heartbreak High, with a smattering of humour and occasional heart.
Easy to watch (it can be binged in an afternoon), Single, Out is ideal for those looking for a show to dip into, when they’re short on time. Each instalment zips along pretty swiftly, thanks to its breezy vibe and even tone, as well as its direct approach to storytelling.
However, don’t think this is a paper-thin production with no substance, as Single, Out deals with some weighty topics, including coming out, assault, and autism. The show deals with the trials and tribulations of young queer lads, as well as the ups and downs of family life, and there’s more than enough going on in here to round out the runtime.
The lead of the series is Adam, as played by Will Hutchins. Hutchins has a good grasp of his character, is suitably adorable in the part, and makes for a strong lead.
When the role needs love and lightness he has it in spades. When it requires tears and sadness, Hutchins is able to tap into Adam’s vulnerability and he can turn on the waterworks with ease.
Joining Hutchins on screen is Adam Mountain as Josh, Steven Christou as Adam’s brother, Clayton, and Ryan Stewart as Adam’s friend, Marco. All three play key roles in the series, essentially becoming the people Adam is closest to, and they make for a solid bunch.
As with Hutchins, these actors are all well cast, and each brings something of value to the show. The same can be said for Jake Hyde, who plays Adam’s work colleague, Gabe, who adds some romantic complications to the drama and is also very likeable.
Those who are completely new to Single, Out (and who may not have even heard of it) will instantly notice the show has a small cast, limited extras, and there’s clearly not a lot of money being thrown around. The reason for this is because Single, Out is an independent production, part funded by writer/director Lee Galea and his producing team, and part funded through Kickstarter.
Galea conceived the project during the 2020 lockdowns, and after getting it off the ground with assistance from producers Giustino Della Vedova and Julie Strini (along with the Kickstarter funding), he just about got the first six episodes in the can. As such, the series isn’t as polished as many of its peers, but what Single, Out lacks in high production values, it makes up for in talent, strong writing, and sheer good will.
All the way through the series there is the sense that irrespective of its low budget, there’s some real nuggets of gold in here, and that’s what’s most important. This is a fun show, which does what it can with the resources available, and doesn’t let a thing such as a lack of money hold it back.
Although the first season of Single, Out is only just arriving on DVD in the UK, the show’s loyal fanbase has already helped push it to a second season, with a third on the horizon. Hopefully these additional seasons will make it onto UK DVD in the fullness of time, but for now, this first offering is a good start.
Single, Out is an enjoyable show with plenty to offer. If you can overlook its budget limitations, it’s not too difficult to get invested in the series, and I look forward to seeing what season two brings.
—
Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
It's A Stampede! 
One Response to Review: Single, Out – Season One DVD
[…] reviewed the first season of Single, Out over on It’s A Stampede!, and said: “Single, Out is an enjoyable show with plenty to […]
LikeLike